Would you agree that it would be quite unlikely that one could jump from 700 – 1000 hours in a single, onto a twin IFR aircraft?
I think I got out of the Cherokee and into a Chieftain with about 800 hours. Right place right time, right contacts.
Most operators will expect you to move on after 1000-odd hours SE. You seem to have given yourself plenty of good advice above anyway.
Good luck!